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In a deployed environment, communication is imperative for a smooth, successful mission. Ramstein’s 1st Combat Communications Squadron makes sure deployed units are set up with everything they need to communicate effectively in the field.
The 1st CBCS is made up of more than 300 Airmen who provide tactical communication capabilities to a wide variety of units operating throughout the European and African theaters, as well as supporting downrange missions in the area of responsibility.
“We take the communication capabilities of a typical communication squadron to a deployable location,” said 2nd Lt. Miles McMullan, 1st CBCS officer in charge of transmission systems. “We have a myriad of tactical equipment that we can tailor to customer requirements and needs. All equipment is 100 percent deployable, ready to go within a day’s notice and is set up within a 48-hour period after site touchdown.”
He said routine inspections and maintenance of all equipment is vital to ensure their equipment is ready to go whenever needed.
“As combat communicators, we are required to fulfill a huge amount of unique training requirements,” Lieutenant McMullen said. “One of which is a squadron-specific course called the Combat Readiness Course, which is designed to ensure readiness in all combat communicators for deployed situations.”
The course incorporates survival training, camp build-up and protection, warfare tactics and host nation relations in an intense and stress-filled environment. Also, 1st CBCS personnel fill some unique roles that require specialized training.
“One example is the Joint Crisis Management Capability missions, where a radio technician aids in tracking an astronaut shuttle crew aboard a C-130J in an abort scenario,” the lieutenant said.
With a possible deployment a day away at all times, the 1st CBCS puts a high priority on their physical training.
Senior Airman Adam Volpe, 1st CBCS transmission systems technician, noted PT is very important because of the squadron’s vision to be trained and mission ready communication specialists.
“Being physically fit is imperative for our deployments, since we are some of the first people on the ground,” Airman Volpe said. “During my trip to Haiti, it was hot and we worked nonstop for almost 72 hours. If any of us were out of shape, the consequences would have been dire.”
Like the importance of physical fitness for their jobs abroad, their work is equally as vital to mission success wherever they may be.
“Our job is important because without us, simply, no one can talk,” he said. “While at the same time we are part of the whole big picture, if you take a single piece out, it may impede the mission.”
Airman Volpe said the job can be demanding, but the 1st CBCS Airmen put their best foot forward and always take pride in their work knowing they have the potential to have a large impact on mission success.
“We know the importance of our jobs, to ensure a smooth operation,” Airman Volpe said. “That’s why our unit takes pride in the squadron’s motto of ‘first in, last out.’”
